Do Chest Compresses with Mustard or Ginger Affect Warmth Regulation in Healthy Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Thermoregulation
• Complementary Medicine
• Respiratory Health

Background:

• Chest compresses with mustard (MU) or ginger (GI) are explored as complementary treatments for respiratory tract infections.
• Limited data exists on the thermogenic properties of these compresses.
• This study investigates the short-term effects of MU, GI, and warm water (WA) compresses on body warmth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the thermogenic effects of mustard, ginger, and warm water chest compresses.
• To assess both measurable skin temperature and self-perceived warmth.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, randomized controlled trial with a cross-over design was conducted.
• 18 healthy adults received chest compresses with WA, MU, and GI in random order.
• Skin temperature and self-perceived warmth were measured immediately after compress removal and 10 minutes later.

Main Results:

• Mustard compresses significantly increased posterior trunk skin temperature compared to warm water and ginger.
• Both mustard and ginger compresses enhanced self-perceived warmth compared to warm water.
• Ginger compresses showed a significant increase in overall warmth perception.

Conclusions:

• Mustard and ginger chest compresses have distinct effects on thermoregulation.
• Mustard compresses demonstrably increase skin temperature, while both increase perceived warmth.
• Further research is needed to explore the clinical application of these compresses for respiratory infections.